Today, Talking Bourbon is tasting a product from the legendary Wild Turkey distillery, Longbranch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It is named after a ranch in Texas and is in collaboration with the actor Mathew McConaughey. The bottle says it is ” oak and Texas mesquite charcoal refined”. The bottle, nor their website, explains what that means.
Longbranch has been aged for eight years, sells for around $40 for the 750ml, it is widely available, bottled at 86 proof, and comes in a decent-looking corked bottle.
We have generally been kind in our reviews of liquor from Wild Turkey. We really liked the original 101, especially when you consider the price. We liked the 101 rye, and we loved Rare Breed. Hopefully, they continue to impress with Longbranch.
NOSE
Todd: Strange, it smells hot even though it is only 86 proof. No real prominent aroma stands out. I do get hints of vanilla, rye, honey, and some spice. I am also picking up some mustiness, malt, and bread. A cube added later didn’t change anything.
Matt: I agree, most scents are light. Picking up red fruit, bread, caramel, and an overall sweetness. It also smells clean, by this I mean not earthy.
TASTE
Todd: Spice and rye upfront with black fruit, grain, pepper, and citrus on the back end. Adding a cube brought out some oak.
Matt: A light floral taste followed by rye, spice, and corn. It is also sweet but somewhat hot. With ice the spice and the heat relax, and the corn sweetness gets stronger.
FINISH
Todd: Medium long with sweet corn and mint.
Matt: Medium with a little more heat and caramel.
OVERALL
Todd: Not real complex but it is an easy drinker.
Matt: Agree, not overly complex. I had to really think about all the flavors and aromas.
Nose 4 out of 5
Taste 7.25 out of 10
Finish 4 out of 5
Final score 15.25 out of twenty barrels.
While Longbranch Straight Kentucky Whiskey didn’t blow us away, it is a good drink. No real dominant scent or taste but had enough of the minor ones to make it interesting. And, since the bottle in the picture above is empty, you can tell we at least somewhat liked it.
All in all, we recommend trying it, but we probably won’t seek out another bottle.